351C Automatic Trans Info
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Lead Driver
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From: Wentzville, MO
351C Automatic Trans Info
I have a 351C 2 barrel with a 4 Barrel intake & 650 Holley. It currently has a C4 but I'm looking at putting a AOD/AODE for better gas mileage. I'm looking for what others have done and what parts they required.
It's going in a 56 Ford Panel that I want to use strictly for cruising. Probably going to put 275-55 15s in the back with the exsisting 2.75 Ford 9".
It's going in a 56 Ford Panel that I want to use strictly for cruising. Probably going to put 275-55 15s in the back with the exsisting 2.75 Ford 9".
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Subscribing to this, I too am looking at a trans change on my 351 clevo from the awful 4 speed manual to the AOD auto. I don't want the AOD with computer control as I want to avoid any computer controls on this ute.
Sounds like a nice project there BJ
Sounds like a nice project there BJ
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Toledo, Ohio
. How about a World Class T5 5 speed manual from a Mustang? Or even the 6 speed which is getting common now and a stronger tranny yet... both have overdrive...
. This prolly belongs in the transmission forum...
. This prolly belongs in the transmission forum...
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
Just in case someone suggests the small-block ZF5, I think it is overkill in your vehicle. I like mine, but it is a truck tranny. It shifts like a truck tranny and makes noise like a truck tranny. Plus, it is BIG. I think a good, well-built AOD is the way to go, but you will probably want/need to change the rear gears. One of the problems with the AOD is its TALL OD ratio of .67:1. That would make your 2.75's the equivalent of 1.84's and your 351 isn't going to like turning that slowly.
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Lead Driver
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From: Wentzville, MO
Just in case someone suggests the small-block ZF5, I think it is overkill in your vehicle. I like mine, but it is a truck tranny. It shifts like a truck tranny and makes noise like a truck tranny. Plus, it is BIG. I think a good, well-built AOD is the way to go, but you will probably want/need to change the rear gears. One of the problems with the AOD is its TALL OD ratio of .67:1. That would make your 2.75's the equivalent of 1.84's and your 351 isn't going to like turning that slowly.
OBTW I want a quiet cruiser that just so happens to be a 56 Panel, not a truck.
What's a good cruising RPM for a 351C???
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Lead Driver
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From: Wentzville, MO
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From: Northeast, OK
It still has a relatively short stroke so isn't a low rpm engine. But your heads are the same as the stock M heads and your compression ratio should be the same as my 351M. Mine did fine with the ZF5 & 3.50 gears running 2000 at 70. So I think you'll be fine if you can get yours to about 2000 as well.
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From: Northeast, OK
In the end that might be less expensive. But, if I subscribed to that school of thought then my "stroked M" wouldn't have aluminum heads, intake, water pump, and valve covers. Nor a roller cam, lifters, and rockers. So, I'm not suggesting you stay with the C4, just that you go into the AOD venture expecting to realize you need to change the rear gears. 
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Lead Driver
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From: Wentzville, MO
Got Ya, I was just being a smart azz.
Gotta have some fun swapping parts.
Still didn't get find out what flex plate, starter, etc I would need to make the change "If I Would" make the change.
Gotta have some fun swapping parts. Still didn't get find out what flex plate, starter, etc I would need to make the change "If I Would" make the change.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
I'm not sure how to figure that out. But, I don't think you will have to change. The flex plate goes with the engine as it is part of its balanced rotating assembly and shouldn't change with the tranny. And the starter won't change if the flex plate doesn't. I think.
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Lead Driver
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From: Wentzville, MO
Read there's a "special" C4/AOD flex-plate requirement. Not sure what that means. Also not sure if the Overdrive torque converter bolts up to the flex-plate and it's nose fits into the crank. If those both are yes then I'm in like Flynn.